Robert Wagner is a legendary figure in Hollywood, with a career that has spanned over seven decades, earning him widespread recognition for his charm, versatility, and ability to remain relevant in an ever-changing industry. Wagner has appeared in some of the most iconic films and television series of the 20th century, making him a household name and a beloved actor among fans of all generations. From his breakout role in With a Song in My Heart to his starring role in the hit TV series Hart to Hart, Wagner has consistently demonstrated his talent and range as a leading man.
Born on February 10, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, Robert John Wagner Jr. grew up in a wealthy family, as his father was a successful steel executive. His early life in the Midwest was relatively privileged, but Wagner harbored dreams of becoming an actor from a young age. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was a teenager, placing him closer to the entertainment industry, where he would soon begin his storied career.
Early Life and Breakthrough in Hollywood
Robert Wagner’s entry into Hollywood was swift and smooth. After being discovered at a Beverly Hills restaurant, he signed a contract with 20th Century Fox in the early 1950s, quickly landing small parts in films. His first credited role came in The Happy Years (1950), but it was his role in With a Song in My Heart (1952) that brought him significant attention. In this film, Wagner played a paralyzed soldier, and his emotional performance captured the hearts of audiences, establishing him as a rising star.
Wagner’s early film career was filled with roles that allowed him to showcase his leading-man good looks and charm. He starred in films like Beneath the 12-Mile Reef (1953), a seafaring adventure, and Prince Valiant (1954), a swashbuckling tale that further solidified his appeal as a matinee idol. In 1956, Wagner appeared in the historical drama The Mountain, co-starring with Spencer Tracy. The film was well-received, and working alongside Tracy gave Wagner valuable experience and credibility as an actor.
Rising Star in Film
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Robert Wagner continued to build his career with a steady stream of film roles, taking on diverse characters and broadening his range. He appeared in films like A Kiss Before Dying (1956), in which he played a murderous villain, and The True Story of Jesse James (1957), where he portrayed the famous outlaw Jesse James. These roles demonstrated that Wagner could handle both the romantic lead and more complex, darker characters, proving his versatility as an actor.
In 1960, Wagner starred in All the Fine Young Cannibals alongside then-wife Natalie Wood. The film allowed him to work with Wood, with whom he shared a highly publicized relationship. The couple’s personal and professional lives were often intertwined, and their marriage (and later remarriage) became a significant aspect of Wagner’s public image. While All the Fine Young Cannibals was not a commercial success, it showcased Wagner’s continued commitment to taking on challenging roles.
Throughout the 1960s, Wagner starred in several high-profile films, including The Pink Panther (1963), directed by Blake Edwards. In this beloved comedy, Wagner played George Lytton, the nephew of a jewel thief. The film, starring Peter Sellers as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau, became a box-office hit and cemented Wagner’s status as a talented supporting actor in ensemble casts.
Success on Television: It Takes a Thief and Switch
While Robert Wagner was enjoying success in films, it was his transition to television that would elevate him to even greater fame. In 1968, Wagner starred in the television series It Takes a Thief, a role that became one of his most iconic. In the show, Wagner played Alexander Mundy, a suave and charming thief who is recruited by the U.S. government to carry out covert operations in exchange for his freedom. The role allowed Wagner to showcase his signature mix of charisma, wit, and sophistication, and the show was an instant hit.
It Takes a Thief ran for three seasons from 1968 to 1970, and it solidified Wagner’s place as a major television star. His portrayal of Mundy earned him critical acclaim, and the show’s blend of espionage, action, and humor was a perfect vehicle for Wagner’s talents. The success of the series established him as a television leading man, a role he would continue to thrive in for decades.
After It Takes a Thief ended, Wagner continued his television success with Switch (1975-1978), a detective drama co-starring Eddie Albert. In Switch, Wagner played Pete Ryan, a reformed con man who partners with a retired bunco cop to investigate and solve complex crimes. The show’s focus on clever scams and deception, combined with the chemistry between Wagner and Albert, made it another success for Wagner and further reinforced his reputation as a dependable and charismatic television star.
Hart to Hart: An Iconic Television Series
One of the defining moments in Robert Wagner’s career came in 1979 when he was cast as Jonathan Hart in the hit television series Hart to Hart. Created by Sidney Sheldon, the show followed Jonathan and Jennifer Hart (played by Stefanie Powers), a wealthy, glamorous couple who, despite their luxurious lifestyle, moonlight as amateur detectives, solving crimes and uncovering mysteries.
Hart to Hart was a perfect showcase for Wagner’s talents. As Jonathan Hart, Wagner exuded sophistication, charm, and a sense of adventure that captivated audiences. The chemistry between Wagner and Powers was undeniable, and their on-screen partnership became one of the most beloved in television history. The show ran for five seasons from 1979 to 1984, but its popularity led to several TV movies that aired throughout the 1990s.
The success of Hart to Hart cemented Wagner’s status as a television icon and introduced him to a new generation of fans. The show’s mix of romance, mystery, and lighthearted humor struck a chord with audiences, and Wagner’s portrayal of Jonathan Hart remains one of his most celebrated roles.
Later Career and Continued Success
After Hart to Hart, Robert Wagner continued to work steadily in both film and television. In the 1990s, he appeared in supporting roles in a variety of films, including the hit Austin Powers series, where he played Number Two, the right-hand man of Dr. Evil (Mike Myers). The comedic role allowed Wagner to poke fun at his suave, sophisticated image, and his performance in the Austin Powers films endeared him to a new generation of moviegoers.
In addition to his film work, Wagner continued to appear on television in guest-starring roles and TV movies. He also reprised his role as Jonathan Hart in several Hart to Hart reunion films, much to the delight of the show’s dedicated fanbase.
Wagner’s autobiography, Pieces of My Heart, published in 2008, provided a candid look at his life, career, and personal struggles, including his highly publicized marriages to Natalie Wood. The book was well-received and offered fans a deeper insight into the man behind the iconic roles.
Personal Life and Legacy
Robert Wagner’s personal life has often been as publicized as his professional career. His marriage to Natalie Wood was one of the most talked-about relationships in Hollywood. The couple married in 1957, divorced in 1962, remarried in 1972, and remained together until Wood’s tragic death in 1981. Wagner’s relationship with Wood and the circumstances surrounding her death have been the subject of speculation and investigation for decades, but Wagner has always maintained his innocence and continued to honor her memory.
In 1990, Wagner married actress Jill St. John, and the two have remained together since. Throughout his life, Wagner has navigated the challenges of fame and personal tragedy with grace, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and fans alike.
Robert Wagner’s legacy as an actor is marked by his ability to adapt to different roles and mediums while maintaining his signature charm and sophistication. From his early days as a film star to his television success in Hart to Hart and It Takes a Thief, Wagner’s career has been defined by longevity, versatility, and a dedication to his craft. He remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars, with a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.